If you aren't among the small group of people who skateboard, you might wonder why the city of Beaumont is using grant funds and an anonymous donation to build a skate park near the new downtown Event Centre.

Here's why: Because it's better than a vacant lot. Because some people will use it even if you don't. Because if it doesn't work out, the city can make it a small amphitheater or something else in a few years.

City officials should be commended for this kind of forward thinking instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead or for something to happen on its own. It's OK to take a prudent risk now and then, especially when the downtown area is finally showing signs of life again.

Assets like this are like pieces of a puzzle. Individually, they might not mean a lot. Together, they help make the downtown more inviting to people and businesses.